Timsbury Athletic reached the semi-finals of the Somerset County League Division 2 Cup after beating Chew Magna 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.

The spot-kick competition was the most thrilling aspect of a poor match played on a bobbly pitch, which made control of the ball a lottery.

Timsbury created the first chance after ten minutes when Justin Dowling’s cross found brother Craig on the far post. He pulled the ball back for Andy Gulliford, who he was unable to control the ball, which looped into the arms of Chew keeper Wes Smith.

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Ross Padfield then shot well wide for the visitors, while Neil Ogbourne wasted a free-kick for Chew Magna. Padfield saw a free-kick pawed away by Smith, while at the other end an Ogbourne header was easily held by Ben Paisey.

In their best move of a disappointing first half, Mark Hancock set Dave Percival free for Timsbury but Smith moved well to block the forward’s effort.

The home side enjoyed their best period in the opening stages of the second half. Paisey showed plenty of bravery to dive at Harry Winsley’s feet as the ball came back from the bar and Andy McClennan shot over the bar.

In a fluent move out of character with the overall standard of the match, Chew created a great chance for Haydon Lyons but Paisey again saved well.

At the other end, Craig Dowling shot wide after finding space on the left, while brother Justin headed into the home net, only to have the effort ruled out for pushing.

In extra time, the best effort came from home full-back Jamie Dawson, who hammered a great shot against the Timsbury crossbar with Paisey well beaten.

Justin Dowling did test Smith for the visitors but the likelihood of penalties was apparent well before the end.

The shoot-out began in similar fashion to the match, with James Noad for Timsbury and Dave Filer for Chew Magna blazing their shots well over the top.

Craig and Justin Dowling, Percival and Padfield then converted successfully for Timsbury, with Ogbourne, Nick Bartlett and Dan Clarke on the mark for the home side.

With the score at 4-3, home manager Charlie Thompson, who had come on as substitute, stepped up but saw his effort well saved by Paisey. It was a dramatic end to an undistinguished encounter.